PREVALENCE OF ANTI HEPATITIS C ANTIBODIES AND HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN IN HEALTHY BLOOD DONORS IN BALTISTAN

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B in healthy blood donors in Baltistan. Design: A descriptive study. Patients and Methods: All the healthy donors between 20-45 years of age visiting DHQ hospital Skardu were screened for Anti HCV and HBs Antigen. Results: Eight Hundred and fifty donors were including in the study. The overall percentage of Anti HCV was 1.1% and HBs Ag was 8.4%. Conclusion: The percentage rate of Hepatitis B quite high in Baltistan, whereas HCV positivity in rather low in this areas.